Today’s reading: Genesis 32-34.

But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’ Genesis 32:12

Jacob’s deceptions come back to haunt him in a big way as he faces a confrontational reunion with his brother, Esau. Jacob ran away twenty years earlier after his brother threatened to kill him for stealing his father’s blessing. Now Jacob is returning home and Esau is coming to meet him. Jacob sends his servants ahead of himself with gifts to try to mollify Esau, but he remains behind and prays.

Jacob prays well, because he prays the promises of God. Twenty years earlier God promised to make Jacob’s descendants as common as dust. He also promised he would be with him wherever he went. Now he gives those words back to God, linking his request for mercy and protection to God’s own…